Participating in on-line chat rooms is a relatively safe way to discuss almost any topic imaginable with people from around the world and all walks of life. Unfortunately, the seeming anonymity of chat rooms causes some people to behave differently or take risks they would never imagine outside of cyberspace.

Even though you may feel anonymous when chatting and feel safe behind your computer monitor, it’s important to follow some basic chat room safety rules. People with ill intentions routinely use chat rooms as a way to gain access to victims. These plots may be as harmless as seeking e-mail addresses for junk mail to someone looking for victims to harm in real life. It is crucial that all members of your family, especially teenagers, know and respect the following pieces of advice. By not taking this advice, you can put your computer, your finances, or even your personal safety in danger.

• Don’t give out personal information such as your real name, address, phone number, social security number or any other information that could be used to identify you or your financial accounts.
• Don’t share passwords.
• Never meet someone in real-life if you only know him or her via on-line exchanges. Chat rooms make it very easy for people to disguise themselves and an on-line friend may not be who they claim to be.
• If you receive an inappropriate message, ignore the sender and end the communication.
• Use good netiquette and avoid cursing, flaming, or any other communication that will upset other users.

If you have any questions regarding chat room safety or other aspects of your Internet service, feel free to contact HunTel.net’s technical support team. We can be reached by calling 533-5777 (Washington County and Omaha) or 1-888-491-9115 (toll-free). You can also send us an e-mail at techsupport@huntel.net.
 

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